Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS)
Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) does for metals what other RP processes have done for plastics. However, it takes it further resulting in generally better tolerances and truly production- worthy end-materials.
DMLS builds parts from powdered metal in thin layers (20 microns/.0008 inches) with walls as thin as 0.2 mm (.008 Inches) and typical tolerances of ±.001 inch/inch.
A broad range of materials are available to meet a variety of real-world application requirements. These materials include: 17-4 Stainless Steel, Direct Metal 20 (bronze alloy), Direct Steel H20 (tool steel), Cobalt Chrome, Maraging Steel.
DMLS is best suited for small complex parts – including internal passages typical of aero investment castings. The maximum build envelope is 250 mm x 250 mm x 215 mm (9.85 in. x 9.85 in. x 8.5 in.).
The materials, tolerances and feature definition available with DMLS, combined with the ability to build parts with internal passages and other geometric complexities, open up a wide variety of applications.
Some DMLS applications include:
- Prototypes, short-run production, individualized products, spare parts
- Parts requiring high corrosion resistance such as medical instruments or prototype implants
- Parts requiring high toughness or ductility
- Parts requiring hardness such as tooling and fixtures
- Injection mold and casting die inserts, including conformal cooling
- Prototypes of metal cast parts, particularly those requiring ceramic core dies for internal passages. This is typical of blades, vanes and fuel-system components.
